Marcus Statius Priscus facts for kids

Marcus Statius Priscus was an important Roman senator and general. He lived during the time of emperors Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. People often called him Marcus Statius Priscus or just Statius Priscus. He became a consul in the year 159. A consul was one of the highest political leaders in ancient Rome. Priscus was special because he was a new man. This meant he was the first in his family to reach such a high rank.

A Roman General's Journey

Starting as a Soldier

Statius Priscus began his career as an equestrian officer. This was a rank for wealthy Romans who served in the military. His first job was commanding a group of soldiers called the Cohors IV Lingonum. This unit had about one thousand men.

Next, he served as a military tribune in three different legions. These were the Legio III Gallica, Legio X Gemina, and Legio I Adiutrix. During this time, he earned special military awards. He received these awards for fighting bravely in the Bar Kokhba revolt between 132 and 136 AD. He likely earned these honors while serving with the III Gallica. After this, he commanded a cavalry unit, an ala, in Cappadocia.

Moving into Politics

After his military roles, Priscus became a procurator. This was a financial manager for the Roman government. He managed taxes in parts of Gaul, which is modern-day France.

Then, Statius Priscus joined the Senate. This happened under Emperor Antoninus Pius. He had to follow the traditional path to become a senator. This meant he served as a quaestor, a financial officer. Then he was a plebeian tribune, a protector of the common people. Finally, he became a praetor, a judge. This traditional path showed how careful Emperor Antoninus Pius was. Priscus was likely over 30 when he joined the Senate and over 50 when he became consul. After becoming praetor, he commanded the Legio XIV Gemina.

Governing Roman Provinces

Statius Priscus became governor of Dacia (part of modern-day Romania) between 157 and 158 AD. He was very successful there in military matters. His success was recognized when he returned to Rome. He was then made a consul.

The next year, he briefly managed the Tiber River and Rome's sewers. In 161 AD, he became governor of Moesia Superior (part of modern-day Serbia and Bulgaria). Later that year, the new emperors, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, sent him to Roman Britain. They needed an experienced general there because the northern border was under attack.

War with Parthia

Priscus had only been in Britain for a few months when a bigger war started. This was the war with Parthia in 162 AD. The Parthians attacked Armenia and threatened Roman Syria. Priscus was quickly sent to govern Cappadocia (in modern-day Turkey).

He led Roman forces, including soldiers from the Rhine and Danube regions. They quickly defeated the Parthians. Priscus then placed Sohaemus, who was supported by Rome, on the Armenian throne. He also rebuilt the city of Valarshapat. One writer from that time, Lucian, joked about how Priscus was so powerful that 27 enemies died just from his shout! This probably means Priscus was a very strong and confident leader.

Later, when Avidius Cassius, a governor, tried to become emperor, Priscus told Emperor Marcus Aurelius about it. After Cassius was defeated, Priscus became the governor of Syria.

Family Life

We don't know if Statius Priscus had a wife. However, we know he had a granddaughter named Fufidia Clementiana. This means he must have had a daughter. His daughter likely married Lucius Fufidius Pollio, who was a consul in 166 AD. There was also a Marcus Statius Longinus, who was a governor later on. He might have been Statius Priscus's grandson. If so, Priscus would have had a son too.